of easy, prepossessing manners, something like Tom Moore. Here were
also Terry, Allan Cunningham, Newton, and others." At this meeting, Sir
Walter Scott suggested the adventures of Daniel O'Rourke as the subject
for the Adelphi pantomime, and, at the request of Messrs. Terry and
Yates, Croker wrote a pantomime founded upon the legend, which was
produced at the Adelphi the same year. It succeeded, and underwent two
editions: the second was published in 1828, uniform with the legends, and
entitled 'Daniel O'Rourke; or, Rhymes of a Pantomime, founded on that
Story.' Croker wrote to his sister (Mrs. Eyre Coote, alive at the
present time) the following account of the breakfast party at Lockhart's,
which, though already published in 'The Gentleman's Magazine' (November,
1854), is sufficiently interesting to be repeated. He first mentions
"the writing and preparing for the Adelphi Theatre a Christmas pantomime
from the renowned adventures of Daniel O'Rourke, two or three meetings
with Sir Walter Scott, some anxious experiments in lithography under the
directions of Mr. Coindet, one of the partners of Englemann's house of
Paris, who has lately opened an establishment here, which will be of the
utmost importance to the advancement of the art in this country, and of
which I hope soon to send you specimens." Then he adds: "To tell half
the kindness and attention which I received from Sir Walter Scott would
be impossible. The breakfast party at Lockhart's consisted of Allan
Cunningham, Terry (the actor), Newton (the artist), a Dr. Yates of
Brighton, Captain, Mr., and Mrs. Lockhart, Miss Scott, Mr. Hogg, and your
humble servant. We had all assembled when Sir Walter entered the room.
Maclise's sketch does not give his expression, although there is
certainly a strong likeness--a likeness in it which cannot be mistaken;
but I have a very rough profile sketch in pen and ink by Newton, which is
admirable, and which some time or other I will copy and send you. When I
was introduced to the 'Great Unknown' I really had not the power of
speaking; it was a strange feeling of embarrassment, which I do not
remember having felt before in so strong a manner; and of course to his
'I am glad to see you, Mr. Croker, you and I are not unknown to each
other,' I could say nothing. He contrived to say something neat to every
one in the kindest manner--a well-turned compliment, without, however,
the slightest appearance of flattery--something at